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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

DE&I Program Manager

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

Ferrara seeks a Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Program Manager to amplify Ferrara’s endeavors to further its commitment to championing diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive culture in the workplace and communities where employees live and work.

The DEI Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that drive an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. This role collaborates across the organization to embed DEI strategies into core business functions, including talent development, employee engagement, and organizational policies. The DEI Program Manager will oversee Business Resource Groups (BRGs), facilitate training programs, track key DEI metrics, and ensure alignment with company values and objectives to foster a diverse and supportive work environment.

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Manages, develops, and supports Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to include creating and executing strategies, guiding BRG leadership, and ensuring the BRGs deliver visible and measurable business impact.
In partnership with Operations senior leadership team, P&O leaders, and other key stakeholders, set DE&I strategy for facilities including the design, implementation, and establishing KPIs.
Continuously monitor and assess emerging trends, best practices, and developments in diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee experience. Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for continuous improvement, ensuring alignment and consistency across the organization.
Manage other key BRG platform components, including leader selection/executive sponsor selection/onboarding/training; planning and execution of annual BRG Diversity Fair/Summit/Awards; developing BRG performance metrics and dashboard; facilitating BRG budgeting process.
Design and manage programs and initiatives that support diversity, recruitment, retention, education, and advancement that could include facilitating workshops and discussions to promote awareness and understanding of DEI issues.
Partner with Communications team to develop communications strategy, guidelines, and templates; oversee strategy and work directly with stakeholders to ensure consistent execution.
Coordinates with other departments on DEI related initiatives including job fairs, health fairs, benchmarking assessments, surveys, and competitive and marketplace research on diversity, inclusion, and equity trends.
Serve as BRG ambassador to the organization and other key stakeholders promoting the BRG value proposition to better engage with current and future employees.
Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of DEI by attending seminars/workshops/trainings, reading professional journals, and actively participating in professional organizations. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

Skills that will make you successful

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Strong understanding of DEI principles, best practices, and emerging trends to include familiarity with intersectionality, unconscious bias, and inclusive leadership.
Ability to develop, implement, and assess DEI strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Strong ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to analyze DEI data, track progress, and use insights to inform strategy and initiatives.
Ability to navigate and lead DEI efforts through periods of organizational change or resistance.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple DEI initiatives, track progress, and ensure timely execution.
Ability to address challenges and implement solutions to enhance DEI programs effectively.
Knowledge of talent acquisition, retention, and employee engagement strategies through a DEI lens.

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience
Minimum five years relevant experience
Proven experience designing, implementing, and managing DEI programs and initiatives
Experience working cross-functionally with leadership, HR, and employee resource groups (ERGs/BRGs) to advance DEI strategies
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $99,600-139,440 annually.

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.